reel ann arbor

A film festival is more than just going to movies. Tips and takes from some veterans can help you make the most of Ann Arbor’s version of Cannes: Cinetopia will run from Thurs., June 6 through Sun., June 9.

What sets Cinetopia apart from other festivals? “Well, it’s here in Ann Arbor,” says Russ Collins, executive director of the Michigan Theater. “So you can see the best movies from the best festivals—Toronto, Berlin, Sundance, more—vetted by international audiences, and in nice weather and a walkable town.” Following a stellar debut in 2012, Cinetopia enters its second year with a line-up of over 40 films, and adds the DIA’s Detroit Film Theater to its venue list, which also includes the Michigan and State Theaters, and UM’s Angell Hall. Here, some perspectives from different seats in the house.

The Pro: Amanda Bynum, Festival DirectorBig Surprise: Last year, Missed Connections [the first film of director Martin Snyder] was a late addition after I saw it at the Cleveland Film Festival and LOVED it. The filmmakers and two lead actors came to the festival, and had a blast; they completely got into the Cinetopia spirit.The Art of the Bounce: Buy a pass so you can bounce from film to film without a) waiting in the box office line and b) paying single film admission. If you end up in a screening you don’t like, you can just leave and walk into something else. Subversive Tip: Clear your calendar for Friday: work won’t miss you for one day! Practical Tip: Fully charge your phone; you’ll be glad to have it when you’re standing in line.

The Contributor: Matthew Mishory, director of Joshua Tree, 1951The Review: The Michigan premiere of our film was in possibly the most beautiful picture palace on the festival circuit. The audience was enthusiastic and film-literate, and the Hospitality Suite was a great place to meet our fellow traveling filmmakers and locals alike. The Shocker: Ann Arbor smashes the stereotype that cinephilia is limited to the coasts.

The Gofer: Alec Allen, VolunteerThe Gig: Chauffeuring visiting filmmakers and actors to and from the airport, and helping set up the Hospitality Suite.Greatest Hit: Squeaking in time to get a director and his friends to Slows BBQ in Detroit before they had to catch their plane.On Driving Instead of Watching Movies: A huge part of the festival is to just talk and laugh with people who love movies. It’s impossible to see every single movie anyway. My wife, son, and his significant other volunteered as well, that was great.

The Movie Lovers: Eric and Ines StorhokPrep Talk: Do your research; plot a preliminary schedule. Be open to change your mind when you talk to other festival-goers and Michigan Theater staffers.Insider Tip: If films have been picked up by major studios, they’ll probably get released in mainstream theaters at some point. We like to focus on smaller movies that we may not otherwise get a chance to see.Refueling Spot: The Hospitality Suite gives you the best feel for the festival; you meet other moviegoers as well as some of the filmmakers and actors. And for a snack, you can't beat the popcorn from the Michigan Theater!

The Hotlist These titles are high on some Must Watch lists:

Body Fat Index of Love: The U.S. premiere of this Norwegian comedy features a Wife-Carrying Contest.

The Painting: An animated beauty from France that takes place within the borders of a canvas in the garden of a lush chateau.

Blancanieves: A silent, black and white version of Snow White from Spain, complete with a female matador.

Lord Montagu: Documentary on a British peer and car collector who recovered from a crippling scandal and imprisonment for homosexuality.

This Is Martin Bonner: A man relocates to Reno and works in a church-based program to help former prisoners transition to life outside.

A Tribute to Ron Asheton with Iggy and the Stooges: World premier of this documentary featuring Mr. Pop, Henry Rollins, and Jim Jarmusch in a concert recorded live at the Michigan.

Watch trailers, find out how to volunteer, and buy tickets and passes for Cinetopia at www.cinetopiafestival.org. June 6 through Sunday, June 9. Single ticket price: $8 Michigan Theater members, $12 non-members; see website for pass and voucher booklet pricing.

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